SPANISH FORT, Alabama – The parents of a Spanish Fort sophomore are thanking the school’s football coaches and trainer two days after their son collapsed on the field during the first day of fall practice.

Defensive lineman Alex McKeever went down near the end of the Toros’ practice late Monday morning. He was not dehydrated and did not suffer a heat stroke, according to a statement released by Sean and Shelley McKeever.

“At this time, we are told that he experienced a ‘cardiac incident,’” the statement from his parents said. “He has been transported to UAB for further evaluation. Our family appreciates each and everyone that has reached out to us, and we ask that everyone continue to pray for Alex, his medical staff and our family.”

Alex has been conscious and responding since Monday afternoon. He was first taken to Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, then spent the last two nights at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital in Mobile. He was transported to Birmingham on Wednesday morning.

McKeever fell to the ground during a transition between periods at practice. Athletic trainer Rob Milam said the Toros were in the final minutes of practice when it happened. He described the practice as “very mild, light – half the extreme of one of our summer conditioning days.”

Milam, assistant coach Greg Crager and other coaches were with McKeever seconds after he fell. The other players were shuffled to one end of the field, and the coaches and Milam went to work as they had been trained.

“As soon as that happened, immediately we had trainers and coaches on him and went into an emergency action plan,” Spanish Fort coach Mark Freeman said. “We were very blessed that everyone was doing everything we were supposed to do. We feel like we were doing everything we could do for Alex. At the same time, we feel like it was through God’s intervention that he is with us today.”

Milam, a trainer for eight years, said the experience was like no other in his career.

“It was the first time I’ve had to implement my skills in that setting – performing CPR, using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) live to bring someone back,” he said. “It was a situation that could not have been prevented without a lot of money and a lot of heart screenings being done. At this level, we don’t have the financing to do that type thing. Fortunately, we had the training and the right materials for this situation. He had a situation only an AED probably could have helped.”

Every high school athlete must undergo an AHSAA-approved physical. McKeever is no different. Milam said there was nothing in his physical to suggest any type of problem.

Freeman said the staff knew immediately they were dealing with a serious incident. The coaches called 911 and proceeded to do everything they could to save McKeever’s life until paramedics arrived.

“Our guys did what they were taught to do, and Alex is a fighter,” Freeman said. “We were able to stabilize a very serious situation with the help of 911 to where Alex could get to the hospital.”

Freeman said doctors have successfully eliminated a lot of possible causes and are now trying to isolate the issue.

“Sean and Shelley McKeever would like to thank all of the coaches, the trainer and the emergency response team for saving Alex's life,” the McKeevers' statement said. “We are very grateful for the coaches’ and the trainer’s prompt attention to our son. God was definitely with Alex, and all involved that morning and for that we are so very thankful.”

As doctors in Birmingham continue to search for a cause for Alex’s ailment, Freeman and his staff know they can use this as a chance to help other schools and players.

“I’ve called several of my friends who are coaches at schools that might not be as blessed as we are to have AEDs and a trainer,” Freeman said. “We need to use this as a tool to reach out to every school and let them know the importance of this. We all have taken courses and are trained in CPR and all that, but there is nothing like having a trainer that is trained specifically for that with the equipment and manpower to carry out the emergency plan. We will reach out to any school and share with them our experience and the importance of this. If we can help another kid anywhere, we are going to do all we can to do just that.”

Milam has been hailed as a hero by many, but he deflects any credit and wants to focus only on Alex’s recovery and helping other schools or players if they need help.

“It was an emotional and trying day, that’s for sure,” he said. “I’m just happy I was there and could help. Right now, my hopes and prayers are for Alex’s continued recovery. We just want to get our Alex back.

“For me, though, the biggest takeaway – other than Alex’s health of course – was to make sure you have the things necessary for any situation. That is an athletic trainer on staff, at every event, doing everything an athletic trainer is trained to do, and having an AED on-site. That ultimately saved his life.”

Alex has been anxious to talk with his teammates through Skype or another mode of technology. Coaches are hoping to set that up soon. He also has told family and friends repeatedly that he wants to return to practice soon.

His grandfather addressed the team following Wednesday morning’s practice, again thanking coaches, Milam and the team for their efforts and their prayers.